Anna Rogers

Q3. (Isaiah 42:6-7) What does it mean for God’s people to be “a light to the nations”? Israel was supposed to light the path to God for the nations. Now that Jesus has come we Christians are supposed to do this, by living different than the world, by caring for others, caring about justice, being kind and compassionate, doing everything in love. In what ways are you “letting your light shine”? How well do you represent God’s covenant in your everyday life? I try to put other people first. I share God's truth when I can. Facebook is a good place to give Godly wisdom. I need to do much much better.

Q2. (Isaiah 42:1-4) What do these verses teach us about the Messiah? What will characterize him and his actions? What does it tell us about his quest for justice? About his tenderness? If this describes our Messiah, Isaiah 42:1-4 depicts Jesus as sent from God, as His chosen one in whom He delights. His purpose is to bring justice to the nations. He will be gentle, not forceful or loud. He will not wear out before justice is established. He will give us hope. what difference should it make in our lives, values, and demeanor? And this is how we should live peacefully caring about the injustice of the world.

Q1. (Isaiah 40) What does Isaiah 40 teach us about the necessity of preparing ourselves for the Lord (verses 3-5)? In one word sanctification, becoming who God has made me to be. About God’s tenderness and compassion (verse 11)? He will care for us with complete tenderness and compassion, cradling us in His arms. About God’s glory vs. the glory of nations (verses 15-17)? Next to God's might the nations are insignificant. Why do we get so enamored by the glitter and glory of the world? No idea, it doesn't last. Only God and His heavenly kingdom is eternal and worth sacrificing for. What pieces are we missing (verses 15-17, 21-26)? Reverence for God According to verse 31, how can we draw strength from the Lord? Wait for Him, remember to serve Him while waiting

Q4. (Isaiah 38:3) What is the basis on which Hezekiah asks for healing? Hezekiah prayed to God based on his own personal righteousness. "Remember now O, Lord...." Why is personal righteousness and holiness important in getting your prayers answered? Although God has mercy on who he chooses to have mercy (Rom 9:8), He is more attentive to His Children (John 15:7) How can unrighteousness prevent answered prayer if all gifts from God are by grace anyway? Psalm 66:18 says it this way "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear."

Q3. (Isaiah 38:2-3) Why is Hezekiah’s healing important for his nation? How did it relate to God’s promises made to David (2 Samuel 7:11b-16)? Because this is the line of David that the Messiah would come through. Hezekiah had a son during his "extra" years, continuing the line.

Q2. (Isaiah 37:16) How do the first two sentences of Hezekiah’s prayer (verse 16) correspond to the first sentence of the Lord’s Prayer? They both address God first by addressing His Majesty. How are they important to faith? It is important to know who you are praying to. God answer's prayer according to faith not words used. How are they important to God answering the prayer? It is always good to address God with a reminder of Who He is, I don't think it weighs much into being answered or not.

Q1. (Isaiah 37:14) What is the significance of Hezekiah spreading out the enemy’s message before the Lord? What is the underlying principle illustrated here? How can we apply this principle to our own lives? What happens when we don’t apply this principle? I think the significance of Hezekiah spreading out the enemy's message is that it represents him giving the whole problem to God. He did what he had to for protection: securing a water supply, blocking off water to the enemy, strengthening wall and adding weapons. The rest was up to God. I think God is less likely to solve our problems when we hold on to part of it or keep taking it back. When we give a problem to God it is no longer our business what happens. If we find ourselves thinking about it, we must immediately give it back to God and not think about it. Not applying this principle causes worry which is a sin.

Q6. (Isaiah 35:1-10) How do you think these verses brought hope to their first readers? What is promised here? I imagine these verses would have brought great hope to their first readers and to their readers today, as some of the promises won't be fully seen till the millennium. We are promised that the desert will become a fruitful place, our hands and knees will be strengthened, God will come and save us, the eyes of the blind will be opened, the deaf shall hear and the lame shall leap like deer, there will be a highway to Zion that is safe for the redeemed. Why do you think Isaiah relies on heavily figurative language to communicate these promises? Perhaps because they talk about fulfillment in more than one time period How does he describe the “highway of holiness”? Who will walk on it? Who won’t? It is a highway only for His redeemed. It is set above the ground and goes to Zion. It is completely safe as you can't fall off and their are no wild beasts on it. What does it mean to be redeemed and ransomed? The redeemed are us who have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus.

Q5. (Isaiah 33:14-16) How does ethical behavior display love for God? In John 14:15 it states "If you love Me, you will obey My commandments" How does it display love for man? Jesus states in Matthew, Mark and Luke that the greatest commandment is "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And the second is like it" You shall love your neighbor as yourself" How does the corruption of taking bribes destroy righteous government? You can not run a righteous government if you are only out for yourself.

Q3. (Isaiah 30:15-29) Why does God long to show us grace (30:18)? Because He loves us. What does that say about God’s character? God is merciful, but just What prevents his grace? Our sin. "I love that in verse 18 it says He will wait, that He may be gracious to you." God waits for the sinner to turn back to Him. Have you ever experienced the kind of guidance Isaiah mentions in verse 21? The more time I spend with God, in the Bible, in prayer, in devotion and meditation, praising Him, spending time with His people, the better the decisions I make seem to work out. What is necessary in us so that we can hear God’s voice? I believe you have to want to hear it and then do all the things mentioned in last question.

Q2. (Isaiah 29:13) Have you ever seen a religious person go through all the religious motions, but whose heart is far from God? Unfortunately, there are whole so-called "Christian organizations" that teach rule following instead of teaching that we need a relationship with Jesus. This can even happen in gospel teaching churches where some members believe that as long as they put their time in on Sunday's they will be ok. Somehow they hear the message each Sunday but it doesn't effect their lives. How can we detect this in ourselves if it applies to us? Am I spending time each day with Jesus. What is the remedy? To spend time with God, in prayer. Read the Bible to get to know Him better. Worship Him. How can you tell if your practice of religion is merely following “rules taught by men”? In our busy world we can easily let our church attendance, devotions etc become just good habits. It is important to spend time and effort with our relationship to Jesus. What is the danger of a rule-based faith? How does it differ from a love-based faith? Because we can not follow the rules perfectly, which is the requirement rule-based faith gets us nowhere. Love-based faith is all about building a relationship with Jesus and letting God lead you through this life.

Q1. (Isaiah 28) How are we humans able to justify and deceive ourselves so easily? We humans are so good at justifying and deceiving ourselves. Like the people of Israel we feel we don't need God because we are doing fine on our own-Pride. We are bombarded by messages to take care of ourselves, we deserve it, we can do it, we don't need anyone. Satan loves us to listen to these messages. Some people believe that the mercy of God will cover their willful disobedience. "why would a loving God send anyone to hell?" Why do we hold onto lies that guide our lives? It is much easier and comfortable to go along with these lies, than to realize that we owe the God of creation our allegiance. Why do people stumble over Christ, the tested foundation stone, and his righteous standards? There are many reasons people stumble on this: pride, selfishness, unbelief, hardening of their heart. Another reason people stumble is they feel they must do something to be saved. It's too simple (but not easy) that we are saved just by our believe in Christ and His work on the Cross. How can we help people come to the truth? To live as Jesus did to the best of our ability. To love our neighbors. To always be ready to give and answer to everyone who asks for a reason for our hope (1Peter 3:15) What is the alternative if they don’t, according to Isaiah 28:21? Those who reject Christ will go to hell.

Q5. (Isaiah 26:19) Does this passage actually teach a bodily resurrection? Yes, "Your dead will live" What does it teach us about resurrection? That it is real When will this resurrection take place, according to the New Testament? At the rapture 1st Thessalonians 4:16 "And the dead in Christ will rise first" The rapture could be what is described by "Hide yourself... until the indignation is past" Where would we be safer than with Jesus.

Q4. (Isaiah 26:3-4) According to this verse, what is the key to perfect peace? What happens when we get distracted from trusting in the Lord? According to Isaiah 26:3 "The steadfast mind You will keep in perfect peace" Which means basically that we keep our minds on Him and He keep us in perfect peace. The less we get distracted from the Lord the greater our peace. Philippians 4:7 says " And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehensions, will guard our hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Why is the Lord called the “Rock eternal”? Describing God as the "Rock eternal" speaks of His being strong, unmovable or shakeable and a refuge for us forever.God is described as the Rock through out scripture. In Genesis 19:24 Jacob was the first to describe God as "the Rock of Isreal" Note He is the Rock not a rock. He is the only One who can save us. In Deutoronly 32:4 Moses called God "The Rock, His work is perfect"

Q3. (Isaiah 25:7) Why does the promise that “he will swallow up death forever” provide such comfort to us when we grieve the death of loved ones? When we contemplate our own death? I think most people, even Christians fear death in some way. Even the most devout believer occasionally wonders what it will be like at the moment of death. It gives us great hope knowing that Jesus will defeat death. What will we experience instead of death when Christ comes? If you are a Christian the moment you leave this life you will go to heaven. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Q2. (Isaiah 25:6-8) Obviously this “feast of rich food for all peoples” is a symbol of something more than just good food. What does this theme represent in Isaiah and the New Testament? What does it promise about the Last Days? The feast probably represents loving fellowship with God and His people. A feast if a good time, great food, people who enjoy being together, perhaps reflecting on how great our God is.

Q1. (Isaiah 24) What is the reason that Yahweh will devastate the earth (24:5-6)? According to 24:5 it is because we have polluted the earth by transgressing the laws, violating the statures and breaking the everlasting covenant. Why do we feel so threatened by this kind of prophecy? It is scary. Although I believe it is talking about the tribulation and I don't plan on being here for that, people I love who won't hear my message might be plus the I love this earth and although I know it part of God's plan I hate to think about it destroyed. Why is this kind of prophecy important to forming faithful disciples who “fear the Lord”? To remember God is a God of love, mercy and justice. He can't let unforgiven sin go unpunished. In what way does the glitter and glory of man (1 John 2:15-17) contradict this kind of prophecy? I don't see the contradiction. 1 John 2:15-17 is a reminder not to love the world and the things of this world. We can't love this world and God at the same time. Verse 17 states "and the world is passing away..." The prophecy talks about the curse that devours the earth. Loving the world is sin against God who will eventually send judgement.

Q3. (Isaiah 22) Why is Judah faulted for making necessary military preparations in the face of the Assyrian armies? What should they have done at the same time (verses 11-12)? They were faulted because that's all they were doing. They were not relying on God at all. They thought they could protect themselves. They should have asked God for His help. What seems to be the sin of Shebna, steward of the palace (verses 15-19)? Shebna had a place of honor in King Hezekiah's palace. His sin seems to be self promoting and materialism. Instead of taking his job seriously he made for himself a fancy tome. Have you ever been guilty of selfishness instead of doing your duty to Christ? Unfortunately too often. I try to check my motives before doing something, and quite often realize I am being selfish. I ask myself "What are my intentions?" It helps steer me away from self promotion.

(Isaiah 20) Why did God command Isaiah to go naked for three years? In Isaiah 20: 3-6 The Lord said that as Isaiah went naked and barefoot for three years as a sign that the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt. So Judah should not put their hope in Egypt. What was its meaning? What effect did this acted prophecy have on Judah’s foreign policy? Judah was looking to Egypt to save them. God told them this was pointless as the Egyptians would be led away in shame. If you were Isaiah, would you have obeyed God? Boy this is a hard one. I want to always obey God, but I also can't see myself walking around naked. It is against the law here also so I probably wouldn't be able to do it 3 years.

Admin 2.2k Gender:Male Location:Loomis, California Posted August 2, 2013 Q1. (Isaiah 14) What was the attitude of heart in the ruler described in Isaiah 14:12-17? The attitude of the ruler is pride. There are 5 "I will" statements that show his prideful attitude. What is the scriptural evidence that this indeed refers to Satan? "you have fallen from heaven" Luke 10:18 states that Jesus saw Satan fall from heaven. "I will raise my throne above the stars of heaven" The Bible sometimes represents angels as stars. In Rev 1:20 "the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches" Who else want to raise above God other than Satan, himself. Have you ever exalted your opinion and will over God’s will and God’s word? I do hope not, but I probably have. I know reading the Bible it is hard to fathom the destruction of people and I have to remember that God's ways are higher than my own, and He know a lot more about situations than I do. How does this differ from the ruler in 14:12-17? The ruler is blatantly defiant against God. What is the best way to humble oneself before the Lord? To remember my failing and to confess them to God, who is sure to forgive them.

What does it mean that “the nations” will rally to the Messiah when he appears? The original word translated "rally" is daras which means to seek, inquire or consult. I believe this means that the nations will go to Jesus the Messiah for answers. Who are these “nations”? We Christians are the nations. Who else will be “gathered” at this time? The remanent of His people the Israelites. How does this prophecy relate to Jesus’ and Paul’s teaching about the Rapture (Mark 13:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1)? When will this prophecy be fulfilled? I believe this is the first prophecy of the rapture that is also talked about in Mark 13, and 2 Thessalonians 2. I've recently discovered that not everyone believes the Bible talks about the rapture. This is a new idea for me as I've always been taught these verses are talking about the rapture, I guess this is something I will have to study and pray about.

What kind of peace does it describe? Peace beyond what we can understand. To let babies play with what we consider dangerous snakes is almost unbelievable ( I do believe it will happen) How far will this peace extend? I believe it will be world wide. According to Isaiah 11:9b, why will there be peace? Because everyone will have the knowledge of the Lord What does “the knowledge of the Lord” mean? It is true understanding of Who Jesus is. How widespread will this “knowledge” be? World wide. Full " as the waters cover the sea"

Who was Jesse? Jesse is the father of David. How does his name indicate that this passage speaks of the Messiah? All through the Old Testament it is revealed that Jesus would come from the line of David. Genesis 49:10 " The scepter shall not depart from Judah," Jesse is from the tribe of Judah. Micah 5:2 "... Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel." In Revelation 22:16 this is affirmed. Jesus states " I am the Root and the Offspring of David.." What attributes will he have due to the Spirit of God upon him? He will have the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord What do we learn about this Messiah from verses 4-5? Jesus will judge the poor with righteousness, and decide for the meek with equity. He doesn't give the rich and powerful better judgments than the poor as man is prone to do. Who seem to be the victims of injustice and oppression here? The poor and the meek. People that strong rich people can overrun. When the Messiah comes, what will happen to all who involve themselves in injustice? "And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked."

Why do we humans tend to pass laws that oppress the weak and poor? Unfortunately because they can. The poor often have noone to standup for them. The rich take from the poor for greed. What can we as Christians do to prevent this? Stand up for and vote against laws that discriminate the poor. Write a congressman. Let the government know we will not put up with this. What can we do to help the poor and weak in our communities? There are many organizations that help the poor after checking out to make sure they really do, you can join them. Donate to them. Joining a church that is devoted to helping the people in the neighborhood. Get involved.

What in the text convinces us that the Child/Son is the Messiah himself? I grew up knowing Jesus by all of these names. So it was hard to give an answer for this but I think the fact that upon the throne of David is the biggest proof that it is talking about Jesus. What do you learn about the Messiah from the four word pairs describing him? We learn that He is our wonderful counselor, a mighty God. Our everlasting father, Prince of peace, His government will not end. He's on the throne of David and He will establidh His judgment and justice forever and ever. Which of these saving attributes do you need most in your life right now? My Prince of Peace